On detecting the gravitomagnetic field of the earth by means of orbiting clocks

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential to detect Earth's gravitomagnetic field using satellite clocks, based on recent measurements of proper time differences in different orbital directions.

Contribution

It proposes a satellite-based method to measure Earth's gravitomagnetic field through precise timing of orbiting clocks, addressing conceptual challenges.

Findings

Proper time difference per orbit is about 10^{-7}s.

A satellite mission concept is outlined for detecting gravitomagnetic effects.

Discussion of conceptual difficulties in measurement approach.

Abstract

Based on the recent finding that the difference in proper time of two clocks in prograde and retrograde equatorial orbits about the Earth is of the order 10^{-7}s per revolution, the possibility of detecting the terrestrial gravitomagnetic field by means of clocks carried by satellites is discussed. A mission taking advantage of this influence of the rotating Earth on the proper time is outlined and the conceptual difficulties are briefly examined.